CONSTRUCTION of the 17·7 km Batikent - Sincan metro extension in Ankara was due to get under way on August 18, following the award of a US$151m contract to Guris Insaat ve Muhendislik. This covers civil engineering on the western extension, which will add 12 stations to the heavy metro network. Construction is to be completed in 36 months. A consortium of Prokon, Optim and Obermayer will provide consultancy services for US$5·4m.
Ankara Municipality has decided to push ahead with the long-awaited extension without any guarantee of financial assistance from the Turkish government. Total cost of the project is put at over US$300m, and Mayor Meliyh Gokcek says state funding will be required for the electrical and mechanical work. Tenders for this will not be called until construction has been completed.
